Baylissite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Baylissite
Sir Noel S. Bayliss
Formula:
K2Mg(CO3)2 · 4H2O
Colour:
Colourless
Hardness:
2 - 3
Specific Gravity:
2.01
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named in honor of Sir Noel Stanley Bayliss (19 December 1906, Brisbane, Australia – 17 February 1996, Nedlands, Australia), Professor of Chemistry, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, who characterized the synthetic compound.
A very rare carbonate; decomposes in water and in a humid ambience.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
583
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:583:4
Similar Names
| Blossite | A valid IMA mineral species | α-Cu2(V2O7) |
IMA Classification of Baylissite
Approved
IMA Formula:
K2Mg(CO3)2·4H2O
Approval year:
1975
First published:
1976
Classification of Baylissite
5.CB.45
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
C : Carbonates without additional anions, with H2O
B : With large cations (alkali and alkali-earth carbonates)
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
C : Carbonates without additional anions, with H2O
B : With large cations (alkali and alkali-earth carbonates)
15.2.4.1
15 : HYDRATED NORMAL CARBONATES
2 : AmBn(XO3)p·xH2O, with (m+n):p > 1:1
15 : HYDRATED NORMAL CARBONATES
2 : AmBn(XO3)p·xH2O, with (m+n):p > 1:1
11.1.15
11 : Carbonates
1 : Carbonates of the alkali metals and ammonium
11 : Carbonates
1 : Carbonates of the alkali metals and ammonium
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Byl | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Pronunciation of Baylissite
Pronunciation:
| Play | Recorded by | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Jolyon Ralph | United Kingdom |
Physical Properties of Baylissite
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Colourless
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2 - 3 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
None Observed
Fracture:
Conchoidal
Density:
2.01 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.03 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Comment:
Measured on synthetic material
Optical Data of Baylissite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.465 nβ = 1.485 nγ = 1.535
2V:
Measured: 64° , Calculated: 68°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.070
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
r > v strong
Chemistry of Baylissite
Mindat Formula:
K2Mg(CO3)2 · 4H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Baylissite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/m
Setting:
P21/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 12.37 Å, b = 6.24 Å, c = 6.86 Å
β = 114.5°
β = 114.5°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.982 : 1 : 1.099
Unit Cell V:
481.84 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Twinning:
Polysynthetic, probably universal.
Comment:
P21/n
Crystal Structure
Load
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Show
Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
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Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
Remove metal-metal sticks
Display Options
Black Background | White Background
Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
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View
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
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Rotation
Stop | Start
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Labels
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0012056 | Baylissite | Bucat R B, Patrick J M, White A H, Willis A C (1977) Crystal structure of baylissite, K2Mg(CO3)2,4H2O Australian Journal of Chemistry 30 1379-1382 | 1977 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 2.98 Å | (100b) |
| 3.12 Å | (80) |
| 2.47 Å | (80) |
| 2.56 Å | (70) |
| 2.06 Å | (70) |
| 6.33 Å | (60) |
| 4.20 Å | (40) |
Comments:
Gerstenegg-Sommerloch tunnel, Switzerland. Data from type description.
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] | |
| Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals | <10 Ka |
| 55 : Anthropogenic mine minerals |
Type Occurrence of Baylissite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Crusts, fine grained, mostly anhedral.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Institute for Mineralogy and Crystal Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Baylissite
Other Language Names for Baylissite
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 5.CB. | Piilonenite-(Nd) | NaNd(CO3)2(H2O)3 |
| 5.CB. | Paulišite | Ca2Zn(CO3)3 · 2H2O |
| 5.CB.05 | Thermonatrite | Na2CO3 · H2O |
| 5.CB.10 | Natron | Na2CO3 · 10H2O |
| 5.CB.15 | Trona | Na3H(CO3)2 · 2H2O |
| 5.CB.20 | Monohydrocalcite | CaCO3 · H2O |
| 5.CB.25 | Ikaite | CaCO3 · 6H2O |
| 5.CB.30 | Pirssonite | Na2Ca(CO3)2 · 2H2O |
| 5.CB.35 | Gaylussite | Na2Ca(CO3)2 · 5H2O |
| 5.CB.40 | Chalconatronite | Na2Cu(CO3)2 · 3H2O |
| 5.CB.50 | Tuliokite | Na6BaTh(CO3)6 · 6H2O |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 0.0000% | 0 | α, β, γ |
| Thorium (Th) | 0.0000% | 0 | α, β, γ |
| Potassium (K) | 26.5451% | 8,229 | β, γ |
For comparison:
- Banana: ~15 Bq per fruit
- Granite: 1,000–3,000 Bq/kg
- EU exemption limit: 10,000 Bq/kg
Note: Risk is shown relative to daily recommended maximum exposure to non-background radiation of 1000 µSv/year. Note that natural background radiation averages around 2400 µSv/year so in reality these risks are probably extremely overstated! With infrequent handling and safe storage natural radioactive minerals do not usually pose much risk.
Interactive Simulator:
Note: The mass selector refers to the mass of radioactive mineral present, not the full specimen, also be aware that the matrix may also be radioactive, possibly more radioactive than this mineral!
Activity: –
| Distance | Dose rate | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cm | ||
| 10 cm | ||
| 1 m |
The external dose rate (D) from a radioactive mineral is estimated by summing the gamma radiation contributions from its Uranium, Thorium, and Potassium content, disregarding daughter-product which may have a significant effect in some cases (eg 'pitchblende'). This involves multiplying the activity (A, in Bq) of each element by its specific gamma ray constant (Γ), which accounts for its unique gamma emissions. The total unshielded dose at 1 cm is then scaled by the square of the distance (r, in cm) and multiplied by a shielding factor (μshield). This calculation provides a 'worst-case' or 'maximum risk' estimate because it assumes the sample is a point source and entirely neglects any self-shielding where radiation is absorbed within the mineral itself, meaning actual doses will typically be lower. The resulting dose rate (D) is expressed in microsieverts per hour (μSv/h).
D = ((AU × ΓU) + (ATh × ΓTh) + (AK × ΓK)) / r2 × μshield
Other Information
Notes:
Decomposes in water or a humid environment.
Special Storage/
Display Requirements:
Display Requirements:
Must to stored in a dry environment.
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Baylissite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-583.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Baylissite
Localities for Baylissite
Showing 3 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Bulgaria | |
| Onac et al. (2011) | |
Russia | |
| Pavel Kartashov collection and EPM analysis (2022) |
Switzerland (TL) | |
| Walenta (1972) |
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Bogorodskoe, Sergiyevo-Posadsky District, Moscow Oblast, Russia